I Swear This Time I Mean It ✔️

Chapter 33

The rest of the school year seemed to pass by in a blur. Both men were just trying to keep their heads down, but it was easier said than done. The newspapers seemed to be in a battle about whether or not Harry and Draco were together, the more that they were seen together in public.

With how ignorant some of the newspapers were, Harry thought that if he snogged Draco in front of them they would still be proclaimed as best friends. Others would suggest that Draco had tried to drug Harry, which is preposterous. Draco thought it was funny, and he had to be stopped by Harry from turning it into an even bigger mess.

It was now May 2nd, and Draco was lost as to how he should treat Harry today. Classes were canceled and a long weekend was made of the day in honor of those who had fought for the freedom of the wizarding world, as well as those who needed time to reflect, grieve, and process. Draco wasn't sure where Harry fell on that spectrum.

The war had been kind to no one, but especially Harry. Draco couldn't imagine everything that his Harry had gone through, dealing with much of the mental and emotional strain alone. It was times like this especially where he wished things had gone differently, that he had been different. But no, it was not the day for him to wallow in self-pity.

Harry had trouble sleeping the night before, so Draco stayed up until after Harry fell asleep, singing softly to him, whispering sweet promises, and reminding Harry just how much he loved him.

For Harry, hearing Draco show his love in such a manner was enough to make him feel safe enough to sleep. They told each other they loved each other multiple times a day, but whereas Harry was more vocal, Draco preferred to buy Harry small gifts, or perform small gestures to show his love. That was the way in which his parents seemed to show their love, so he was still getting used to Harry's random sweet words.

When Harry woke up in the morning, Draco was wrapped protectively around him, and he couldn't help the small smile that appeared on his face. It was then that he remembered what day it was, and he took a shaky break that woke up Draco.

"I'm here for you Harry. It's okay my darling, I'm here. What do you need?"

Harry just shook his head, clinging tightly to Draco.

"I love you so much Harry. I will do everything that I can to prove that to you."

"I know," Harry whispered back, blinking away tears.

"I can't help unless you tell me what you need, okay my darling? Do you want us to hold each other?"

Harry nodded, so Draco fixed their position.

"It's okay to cry if you need Harry. You had unspeakable things happen to you, please don't hold your emotions in. I won't judge you for that, and you know it."

Another nod was all Draco got, and he contained his sigh.

"Baby steps," he reminded himself.

They held each other for a while, Draco picking up on bits and pieces of Harry's thoughts due to their connection. He kept his reactions at bay, not wanting to scare Harry off, who almost certainly didn't know Draco was receiving some of his thoughts. It was when the thoughts were beginning to be fueled with self-hatred and disgust that Draco broke in.

"You stop that right this instant and listen to me," Draco demanded, breaking away to hold Harry's face in his hands. "I know that I don't understand, know, or relate to everything that has happened to you and that you've been through. You are free to share with me what you're comfortable with. I will never force you to speak about things that you want to keep to yourself because you have the right to your privacy.